Local STAR to ride in the Atlanta Ride for Kids

Tony Velo has had a LONG journey. He was first diagnosed at 9 months with brain tumors. At 14 months old, he started losing vision. In 2004, at 5 years old he had his 1st chemo regimen for 14 months when he lost vision in his left eye. He had a total of five, 12-month long chemo regimens over 10 years during which he gained new tumors and lost most of the vision in his right eye, making him legally blind from tumors. Thankfully, he has been stable since his last chemo in November of 2013.

Tony compensates well for lack of vision, but suffers the most from feeling "different". Most kids are not comfortable being his friend. Having spent much of his time at the hospital over the years, combined with having to cross the county to be at the school where the vision program is, makes for little time to tend relationships. Blessed with good adults around him, understanding teachers, ministers and coaches at what would have been his home school - has enabled him to work as a trainer for the football team his old friends play on and teach young children at church. Tony’s a Senior and will be graduating this year. His plans are to attend college and earn a degree in Communications.

It’s for Stars like Tony that we ride in the Atlanta Ride for Kids. We take the Stars and their families out for an hour long, carefree ride for them to forget their daily battle, if, for only just a short time. We also use this opportunity to raise awareness and much needed money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) is the world's largest nonprofit funder of research into cures for childhood brain tumors. PBTF has funded more than $28 million to date, supporting the best and brightest at institutions nationwide. For families battling the deadliest form of childhood cancer, PBTF provides hope, educational resources, scholarships, financial aid and opportunities to meet other families.

Ride for Kids is a premier charity motorcycling event, now in 30 cities nationwide. Riders of all makes and models of street-legal motorcycles are encouraged to participate, connecting with other enthusiasts. In addition to a scenic ride, everyone will enjoy food and entertainment while meeting local children supported by their efforts.

This year’s Atlanta Ride for Kids will take place on Sunday June 4th, at the Cumming Fairgrounds. The registration begins at 8 with kickstands up 10. Join Stars like Tony and help cure the deadliest of childhood cancers.